Tips for the Would-Be Reformer: Bold Reformer

October 29, 2017November 11, 2017 ~ I'mAllBooked ~ Leave a comment

Bold Reformer: Celebrating the Gospel-Centered Convictions of Martin Luther by Dr. David Steele

“Just as Luther spoke truth to power in his day, the contemporary church needs courageous spokespeople to identify specific abuses and offer positive solutions now to transform the church of today.”

It’s amazing to think that 500 years ago, on October 31, 1517, a simple German monk unwittingly turned the world upside-down when he took some initiative and boldly posted a list of concerns he had about the church, 95 to be exact. David Steele‘s brief book entitled Bold Reformer looks back to the life and example of Martin Luther, whom God used to reform a corrupt and unbiblical religious system. The author contacted me through Goodreads and asked me if I’d read and review his book, sending me a free copy when I agreed. I initially thought Bold Reformer was a biography of Martin Luther, which it really isn’t. Continue reading “Tips for the Would-Be Reformer: Bold Reformer” →

Happy Reformation Day!

October 31, 2016October 29, 2017 ~ I'mAllBooked ~ 1 Comment

Whether or not you choose to celebrate the last day of October as Halloween and how you do so falls into the category of liberty of conscience, in my opinion. However, I think it’s unfortunate that so many Christians get caught up in and distracted by Halloween festivities, yet they ignore (or are ignorant of) the fact that October 31st is an important day historically in the church.

Next year will mark the 500th anniversary of the day in 1517 that Martin Luther challenged the erroneous, unbiblical teachings and practices of the church when he nailed his 95 Theses to a church door in Wittenberg. It wouldn’t be until the following year that Luther really came to understand the important doctrine of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, as stated in Romans 1:17, “For in [the Gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.'” He came to see that sinners are justified by God based solely on the work and righteousness of Jesus Christ, and that we contribute none of our own righteousness to our salvation. The themes and focus of Luther’s preaching and writing from that point can be summed up in what came to be known as the Five Solas of the Reformation: Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Sola Scriptura, and Soli Deo Gloria; that is: By Grace alone, Through Faith alone, In Christ alone, According to Scripture alone, For God’s Glory alone!

Many good articles have been written about what Martin Luther did and the results that we still see and enjoy today, including this brief overview which was published a couple of years ago on the Ligonier Ministries blog. Continue reading “Happy Reformation Day!” →

Happy Reformation Day!

October 31, 2015October 29, 2017 ~ I'mAllBooked ~ 2 Comments

Forget Halloween! October 31st is the date in history that all Protestant Christians should remember as the day almost 500 years ago that Martin Luther challenged the false, unbiblical teachings of the church and reminded those of the Christian Faith of the importance of the “Five Solas”: Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Sola Scriptura, and Soli Deo Gloria; that is: By Grace alone, Through Faith alone, In Christ alone, According to Scripture alone, For God’s Glory alone! This event forever changed the course of the Christian church. Many good articles have been written about what Martin Luther did and the results that we still see and enjoy today. See below for starters.